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Ashes reaction: Andy Flower praised Alastair Cook for the way he led England to a 3-0 series win

England coach Andy Flower praised captain Alastair Cook for the way he led England to a 3-0 Ashes series win.

Last Updated: 26/08/13 7:01am

Andy Flower (left) paid tribute to the efforts of Alastair Cook

Flower also hailed the team ethic, but admitted there was room for improvement ahead of the return Ashes series in Australia this winter.

The Oval crowd saw 447 runs were scored and 17 wickets fell in an extraordinary final day, but bellowed their disapproval as the unmpires called time because of bad light with the home side requiring just 21 off 24 balls for an historic 4-0 home win.

Flower said: "I think Cook's strong leadership was a key. The players need to trust and respect their leader.

"He is a man they all look up to and he has a certain conviction and inner strength that will serve English cricket well."

"The strength that individuals have shown in pressure moments has been important. We must be better players by the time we take them on in November.

"We've got to enjoy the moment and don't look too far ahead. We have to really enjoy this evening."

Expectation

Cook himself looked back on the series with pride as he reflected on the spirit and character in the England dressing room.

"It is what dreams are made of. It's an incredible feeling," he said. "When you go back to the start of series, a lot of questions were being asked about this England team.

"Would we be able to handle the pressure of being favourites? Would we live up to that expectation?

"To deliver under that means we can have a good beer and enjoy some very special scenes in the dressing room. Our families and friends are there now and those moments are very special.

"Until you go through it as player or a captain you don't quite realise how intense it is, to be honest. It has been an intense time but also a very proud time for me.

"We've had some real tough moments as a side but the character we've shown throughout the series is fantastic.

"That's the hallmark of a good side and it comes from a lot of experience and a lot of class."